Time To Celebrate (TTC)

Yes, TTC is confirmed J it’s the ticket to cloud Nine! With a Guru in life, you are bound to face challenges and tough times. And this is done deliberately by the master to make you more skillful to make you learn more! For, your growth IS all that matters to him J

I recently read Robin Sharma’s Article which said that the difference in what you want to happen and what is happening are your own blockages and surrender to the external environment. My not going to TTC was almost sure. My intellect analyzed the situation so smartly and I was caught in the trap that this is not the time to go. My own problems and issues had encroached my mind! But at the Volunteer’s Convention, I suddenly realized how foolish I was behaving!  To others, I preach not to give priority to their own problems and not to give up in face of obstacles but I was doing the same! THAT was an “Aho” moment!

And I decided that now I will not let my intellect come in front of my dream. I hadn’t received TTC call till that time so going wasn’t confirmed till then but I had made up mind that now if HE says yes and calls me I will NOT back out! And I think only this shift was waitedJ, for I got a confirmation email the next day!

Since then, I’ve just been finishing off TTC prep ;) The challenges in my life still remain the same but now the perception has changed. Musibat dene wale mushkil se bahar bhi nikal lega .  It’s a 21 day training program so might have to say goodbye to this jobJ “Kuch pane ke liye kuch khona padta hai” but here paana, khone se bahut zyada hai J

Keep Smiling J

Akshardham Visit

One thing I’m learning from Kids of My school is – naturalness. They just are what they are! If they are happy they will show their happiness fully! – shouting, dancing laughing…. If they are sad they will show it fully too! – similarly Anger, annoyance etc. Any emotion, they express it 100%. There is no string of formality or diplomacy attached.

Akshardham Visit was an eye opener. When I’d gone there earlier 5-6 years back, I was disheartened to see that there were no deities placed and if you ask for God, there was just a Golden statue of Swami Narayan. I was perplexed whom to pray! It’s been named as a mandir but there were no idols. So my first impression was that it’s a good tourist spot – to spend the whole day boating, watching movie, fountain show, eating food and then go back home but definitely not a temple!

So this time I wasn’t excited at all when I heard it’s a “Picnic”. It rather seemed an added uninvited responsibility of managing kids who for sure would create ruckus there! But what shook me there, was watching the Movie - the story of an 11 year Boy Neelkanth who left his home to serve the mankind and later came to be known as Swami Narayan. I felt so blessed to realize the deep meaning behind the story. In this lifetime I’ve witnessed such a story and KNOW its true! My guru – Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Watching the AOL video “The beginnings” will leave you wiping off your tears at the end J It is so beautifully made – the story of a boy who became our beloved Guruji 

It may take a while for the rest of the world to recognize and realize the divinity in him but It’s an honor and earlier good deeds that I am among the fortunate ones J His presence in my Life has made it a celebration every moment. No pain, no misery seems difficult to handle and how he takes care of you is beyond explanation.

Earlier I wasn’t keen on going to Akshardham but later felt happy that I went to experience the grace again J

Keep smiling

Jgd

What's Happening!

…hmmmm!!...

My blog has become a place where I find solace. Whenever things are getting on to me, I tend to isolate myself and plunge into writing. And while doing that, I feel as if I’m talking to my best friend who understands me and just let me be what I am!

It’s been 2 months  I’ve been teaching in Presidium School. I teach English to IIIrd class. (Whoever I meet these days, I say “I’ve become IIIrd class”;). From doing BBS and joining line HR, then moving into a consulting role to working in coaching institutes as a faculty and center Manager, taking up few freelance Projects and now a school teacher job! I’m clearly a living example of Diversity! :D

Some may say I don’t have a career focus but that’s not the case. I’m very well clear on what I want to do in life and I’m very well doing it as wellJ. Professionally, I don’t regret any decision I took. The decisions had been the best one at that time and place. I’m very clear on not taking up any Gurgaon / Noida job. School teaching I took up to do justice to my B.ed degree: D The school is very near to my place, it’s a day job and to top it all, I am with the kids all the while. Having taught as a faculty to 12^th pass and graduates, I could never imagine myself teaching kids! I had no idea how do you manage them, how do they understand things but believe me, today I would give myself good points as their teacherJ. I enjoy their company, their innocence as well as nonsense ;)  And same is the case with them! hahahhahhahha

I attended Dinesh Bhaiya’s YES!+ in Gurgaon for 2 days. I wish I could have attended it in full but couldn’t make it. But even going for those 2 days was a BIG challenge in which I succeeded. Getting up at 5 am and coming back at 3 pm from job, then leaving at around 4 pm for Gurgaon and coming back at 12 midnight wasn’t easy! I wasn’t keeping well too. These 2 days I realized the tendency of my mind. I gave myself many good reasons why not to go. But one realization that I was being lazy and not giving my full effort used to push aside everything else.

I was clear on 1 thing – I would go as a repeater and not as a volunteer. And somehow if you’ve been volunteering for a while at the unconscious level you may have some ego. It may not be apparent but gets onto the surface when somebody treats you as a participantJ. Well, by grace that isn’t the case with me. I definitely have some ego but when I am a participant in any course or activity, I completely shed off the volunteer label. So when I went, I did everything that was being done. I might have attended close to 10-12 YES!+ workshops and knew what was happening or what was going to happen but I participated 100%, acting as if this was my first time and avoided giving gyaan , unlike many ;)

I had immense learning. Dinesh Bhaiya is class apart. He is an epitome of love, sincerity and a living example of knowledge. He speaks less and smiles more. And his awareness is unmatched and unfazed J This YES!+ was very different from what I’ve attended so far. I was all ears and all eyes all the while :)

Every time I meet Dinesh Bhaiya, I’m reminded of how presence can speak a zillion more than words :)

One of my very good friends is getting married and we friends are to prepare a dance for the ceremony. The rest of the friends have taken up 2 classes but I haven’t been to even 1 L At times I feel am I neglecting my friends?? Has AOL activities become the focal aim in my life?? The best part is that the answers also come from where the questions are raised. Yes, I devote a lot of time in doing sewa but I’ve NEVER ignored any other task or anyone. Infact, the day of the engagement in June, I was planning to go for YES!+ advance in Bangalore but I cancelled it ‘coz at that point in time, being a part of my friend’s happiness was important. Many ridiculed but I was firm. Even for the dance class, I’m not able to make it as it’s been kept at 8 pm at a place 20 -25 minutes away from my place and half of the time, practice gets cancelled. I’m not trying to justify myself. I will definitely work on going to the dance class. 

The only point I’m trying to make is that understanding has to be mutual and any person needs to be given benefit of doubt. I’m pretty excited about marriage! The only hitch is that I would have to spend money and time in buying new clothes L

Last but the best part to share J I lead my life according to what I’m able to comprehend as right or wrong for me. I believe in destiny – whatever happens is something that was written earlier but Guruji says to take past as destiny and future as freewill. So I make some choices. They may not work, may cause some trouble time but again I’m reminded of “Short term pain and long term gain” :)

It’s so interesting to watch the tussle between head and heart. Heart wants someone to be a part of life but head stops as it knows it isn’t good and will eventually make you miserable. Heart is short sighted; it looks for immediate results and lives in a fantasy world. The head is more mature and has a practical outlook. Yes, head may become too apathetic at times and heart may become too sympathetic ;)

May be there’s a mid way. Listen to your heart but take decisions from the head. It is tuff..rather very tuff…but may be that’s the Art Of Living :)

More to share, next post soon!

Keep Smiling J

There are times…..Has it happened to YOU?

Has it happened to you when…..

You may be outgoing by nature BUT there are times when you become so shy…

You may be good at expressing emotions BUT there are times when you just can’t stop blushing…

You may be good at speaking BUT there are times when you just don’t find the right words...

You may speak for hours BUT there are times when words just don’t find their way…

You may use eyes to see BUT there are times when you use them as medium of communication…

You may just be so sleepy BUT there are times when a sudden remembrance energizes you…

You may not have time BUT there are times when just a call/SMS makes you find out time..

You may be feeling gloomy BUT there are times when just a memory puts up a big smile…

You may be very intellectual BUT there are times when only the heart works…

You may be self-obsessed BUT there are times when someone else takes the priority…

You may be forgetful BUT there are times when each moment becomes a fond memory...

HAS IT EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?

These “times” are the one when you are in LOVE or you are with LOVE! 

Keep Smiling :)

YOU-Turn!

I’ve been living life without laptop for over a week. L  The drivers aren’t installed yet and the internet connection isn’t working. So not much of gmail access and facebook! But I’m not cribbing. I’m embracing the change and the deficit: D

I was never an addict to facebook but yes, I love checking my mails daily, some of which are really nice!

The campus YES!+ ended last Tuesday. Since the start of this YES!+ from 15^th September, you have NO idea what turn my life has taken! Ever since, every day has been a celebration and joyride! With past memories emanating again to future fireworks! Ta-da-da:)

Some things just weren’t working out and I, instead of wasting my time on mourning, totally involved myself in this project. And lo and behold! Not only one door opened, so many opportunities opened that I got confused! ;)

My Master is an acute businessman! He just knows where to send me, when and how. My shifting to Kamla Nagar wasn’t welcomed by me initially as I’d got used to Ashok Vihar’s aura! : P

I mean my best buddies live there..my best cousin lives there...my YES!+ gang is there..and a lot more! But slowly I realized I’ve been sent with a purpose…again to do HIS work and get immense learning in the whole process J

The transformation I saw in YES!+ participants was overwhelming J Their joy after 6 days could be best judged by their BIG smiles. They were so much in the PRESENT moment, oblivious to everything else and ready to take on the world! Getting salary at the end of the month surely makes one happy but the happiness one can get through such endeavors is unmatched with ANY amount of money.

Since it was a big course (I mean comparatively ;), there were certain loopholes in the organizing part. Everything went off well by grace but as individual, my personal learning was to be better organized and methodical.

Sometimes I just can’t stop laughing on certain incidents which are so recurring in nature. It is just so fascinating to find some volunteers (errr... I mean irresponsible ones ;), to whom if you ask to do some sewa, will give you 100 reasons (read excuses) why they did not do it / can’t do it and if you would make an effort to explain things to them, you would hear things like, ”Relax! Just chill, sab ho jayega! Aap pareshan mat ho”

I really wish someday they understand the meaning of the word ”relax”. Relax isn’t about NOT doing things, relax is about DOING things and then feeling as if YOU haven’t done it! J

So thanks to such people who everyday make me RELAX! (This last relax is as per my definition: D)

Keep Smiling J

Intro-spection! :)

Today is 15th September. Some dates have special significance in your life :) Now don't ask why ! :)

Half a month has passed and last 15 days have been full of surprises and learning. I've come to know a little bit more about myself and experienced more grace :)

At times when you feel helpless, a feeling of emptiness dawns in which takes you back to self :) In life when things aren't favourable and you are confused then the best solution is to surrender to the divine and pray to him to lead you..I did the same and now currently whatever is happening, I'm taking it as HIS will ( which anyways is!)

Today campus YES!+ is going to start. I'm fully charged up for this. This course is close to my heart in many ways. I've prayed intensely to Guruji to make this course happen and that too with 100 people! I think this time I've been too lucky, he has fulfilled all my demands ;) Pray that I just don't get more greedy:) The course has been organised in just 6 days. Like always, some volunteers showed keen interest in organising but when it came to doing it actually, they absconded! :D

But I think all that happens IS with a purpose. I learnt a lot and I'm grateful from the core to have been able to do my master's work. There were challenges in life and I thought I may not be able to join in but he took care of everything else so well that I was able to do his work so well :)

At times I ponder as to what drives me to do so much of YES!+ activities?? Money definitely isn't coz it just goes rather than coming :P
Is it appreciation ? recognition? Ego pacification? or is it selfless service? Happiness to others? contentment?

I remember the first course that I'd organised 14 months back. The intention was to learn, to do my master's work and serve and I think it was only this intention that paid off and transformed me! No denying that appreciation , recognition makes me feel good but that's not the motivating factor. The inspiration is to do my master's work, to bring people in this knowledge 'coz the youth of today needs it. And this is something I'm sure about 'coz I've been into it despite all IFs and BUT's in life, despite all negativity around. In hard times, you either give up or bounce back. And by grace, I've done the latter :)

I'm no big a personality. But yes, grace has groomed me through sewa and my skills have improved drastically! There are people in
YES!+ who love me, adore me, listen to me , respect me, praise me, stand by me and there are also people who don't like me, find me arrogant, won't listen t me, would like to avoid me etc etc. From all, I've been learning. And I think I'm REALLY selfish when it comes to learning in Life! :) :)

I'm still figuring out reasons for some things in life..and I bank upon HIM for the answers :) :)

I think at any point in time when your own intellect fails to satisfy you, the best option is to shut it, relax and let go!

Being a witness makes you feel its just a play!

God Loves Fun! :)

Keep Smiling :)

Guru di Meher!

I have 2 interesting experiences to share. Both of them made me realize that I'm not the doer..that what GRACE is!

The first instance is of our weekly follow up. Due to people going to Ramlila to support Anna, I wasn't sure how many would come. On the top of it, there wasn't any teacher available. But we still kept the follow up as last week also it didn't happen due to Rakshabandhan. But till the time it started I was apprehensive how many would come. I wasn't very keen on taking the warm up and told someone else...on the top of it , I realised at the last moment that I need to arrange a stereo for the kriya tape!

But things happened so beautifully and effortlessly!There were around 30 people, stereo too got arranged, warm up taken was superb. I mean things were so well placed! The feeling that " I need to do this..." vanished.Guru ka kaam ho hi jaata hai. I'm not the one doing it, he's just getting things done through me. And after the follow up, people asked me if I would go to Ramlila, I outrightly said no but in an hour I was there at the Ramlila Ground supporting Anna!

Hw things happen is just so magical. At times we think we are doing things but the reality is that things are happening. No doubt our efforts play a role in determining the rewards but at the end of the day, the invisible force, the energy is guiding everything!

********************************************

As if this incident wasn't enough, yesterday's Janmasthmi preparation was like a bombshell! It's one of my best learning experience. Guruji was in Delhi so we weren't sure whether to keep a program in the evening but we kept because few volunteers showed willingness. We divided work, allocated responsibilities and decide meeting time but almost ALL didn't turn up! 5.30pm the program was suppose to start and most of them came at 5.15pm! And because I had to take care of others' work, I couldn't do my share of work! hahahah.. We'd planned to prepare a dance but things didn't go right. Everything was chaotic. A time came when I was on the verge of boiling and taking it out on people but somehow I managed. When I sat for Guru Puja, I dropped everything and totally surrendered to Guruji. Afterall, the efforts were to celebrate his birthday and if he wanted his birthday this was, who was I to complain :)

So when I opened my eyes after Guru Puja, I was settled and centred. AND I think this was the moment Guru was waiting as after that things happened spontaneously and again effortlessly! :) Whatever we had initially planned didn't happen and whatever happened was wonderful!...Satsang....knowledge Video..Radha Krishna dance..Paper Dance..Yoga Rave..Matki Fod..everything had so much Grace! I could feel the energy. When I took the mic at times to speak, everyone enjoyed and laughed and I seriously don't know what I spoke and from where words came! HE just made it happen!

ANd yet again he made me realise to be dispassionate - to be centered. Do things but don't get stuck. Doership brings frustration or arrogance.HE is making things happen. If despite your efforts things are not gping your way then that is how HE wants it :)

*********************************************

I'm overwhelmed! Can't express how it feels to have KRISHNA in my Life! Thank you for making my life so beautiful and meaningful!

Keep Smiling :)

IAC

Anna ji's Movement has caught fire with public! It feels really good to see people waking up and understanding what the drive is all about. The crusade is against corruption - not against Congress. It's just that congress has been turning a blind eye to all the scams and in the light f all this, people see this as against Congress.

I don't know how clean Anna ji, Arvind Kejrival or Kiran Bedi is but so far they are the cleanest ones I've found whom I would like to support in heart & soul.It's great that Anna has become a rage and people from all walks of life are being upfront in supporting him. But it's also a sad case that a section out of general public which supports in words aren't really willing to take time off to go and lend physical support. Though they support Anna ji, they can't take an off from their job, studies or families. I really wonder that such people, who find their own problems and issues so big, can they ever think at a macro level? can they care for their country?

I'm nobody to comment on someone's patriotism but words and actions should match and be cohesive.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar came to Delhi to meet Anna ji. Being an ardent follower of Sri Sri, I know how busy his schedule is! If HE can manage taking time out to meet him and show support, we anyway should! I sincerely pray that Anna ji's efforts don't go wasted. !!His drive should attain its goals. And I have full faith in it!

Yesterday, after a wait for 3-4 hours, we met Guruji! Being in his physical presence in itself is a blessing esp. when it's unplanned and effortless! :)

There is more to share but right now Anna ji was on my mind so unke baare mein hi baat ki :D

Keep Smiling! :)

La Vida@Life Rocks!

LIFE ROCKS! - For the past one and a half month or so,  this phrase has become an integral part of my life. Since 1st June, life has shown a new dimension...it feels as if I've got a gift for the anniversary I celebrated! I'd written about it earlier here.

After organizing YES!+ course from 1st June-6th June, the focus shifted to the YES!+ event - "Life Rocks" which was initially scheduled to happen on 26th June. In 1st -6th June YES!+ , few dancers emerged!I'd been longing for YES!+ people from North Delhi who have a passion for dancing. And to top itall, in that YES!+ , we had Girivar - a participant who's been an instructor at Shaimak Davar!

So a few participants - especially Nikita and Rahul were really excited and looking forward to participate in "Life Rocks". They wanted a group dance and were looking for people. I still haven't figured what made me say YES to join them! Looking back it all seems a dream!

When we embarked on our dance journey, we were 3 couples. After few weeks, 2 more couples joined and a guy from the initial 3 couples backed out :D..so we were on look out for a replacement. In the last 3-4 days, the best dancers (Girivar &Vamika)  joined us! :)

I remember Rishiji saying this on Guru Purnima day " Guruji aapko shabdo se zyada anubhav se sikhate hai"..and that I feel is so true! He gives you oppurtunites to nurture your talent, to test your knowledge and develop your skills!

On 24th July at Shah Auditorium , we FINALLY had our performance! Our costumes were simply amazing! esp. girls were in love with the salsa skirt ;). I'd earlier performed at Bhakti Concert at Sirifort Auditorium. This time I wasn't nervous 'coz one thing I knew for sure was that at THAT time when you are dancing , it is HIS grace which is flowing. All you need to do is to smile and enjoy.Rest he will take care :) And that's what exactly I did.

The Audience loved our performace! It was so heart warming. My mentor, YES!+ teacher Rohit Ranjan came back stage and gave us all a big hug. Those moments made me so nostalgic, my eyes were wet, completely drenched in bliss :) :) I felt so near to my Guru, could feel him around <3 <3

During the entire journey of 30-40 days, I learnt so much. So many challenges came, people would come late or  wouldn't turn up for reherasals, miscommunication, misunderstandings, non availability of venue for rehearsals and a lot more but our persistence paid off.

When we last showed our performance to Saleel Bhaiya and Atika di (Sr. YES!+ teachers), before the final show,Atika di told us it was an "Average" performance.Saleel Bhaiya said i was making my partner feel scared by my expressions.We took the feedback in good spirits and worked on our performance:) I'm really thankful to Saleel Bhaiya for the feedback given :)

After the show, we went to meet Guruji who was in delhi..,managed to catch few glimpses which made empty yet so full <3 <3

24th July has gone and it will treasured as a fond memory! Thank you Guruji for such a life! Have no words :) :) Thanks to the whole team - Girivar, Rahul, Kartik,Hemant,Mayank,Shreya, Garima, Himani, Nikita. :) I've learnt something or the other from each of them! G bless all :)

P.S: Though I didn't get much pics clicked, just a few precious ones here for you!:)

Aao huzoor tumko Sitaaron mein ....... :)

My Dance Group - "La Vida"

Rahul, Garima ....me and my dance Partner Kartik - special thanks to him! :)



Marriage?? or a mirage??

I want to avoid any discussion on this topic but I've been hearing so much from every corner. Worst of it, I've listened to all of it with a smile, only thinking of a medium to vent out my feelings! Earlier it used to be my diary. I've been in the habit of writing diary since childhood. It's only in the last one year or so that I've lost touch with it :( .... My diary had always been my best friend, I could share anything and everything with her..and she would listen patiently and then give solutions too :)

The other day I was reading one of my college diaries and I couldn't stop laughing on what crap I'd written! :D I mean I've changed so much..some things just don't matter anymore.

Ok, I'm 25 years old..so what? I don't understand why people are going ga ga over my marriage plans. These days I've been hearing such things in abundance - " Aur , shaadi kab kar rahe ho ?".." Baraat mein toh bulaoge na??"..." ab aapo kar leni chahhiye shaadi"..." Mein ladka dhundu kya??"

Uffff..I've never been vocal about my take on this but today atleast I can share on my blog what I feel about it. Firstly, I DON'T think that there is a certain age by which you should get married. If age is a consideration, then you are merely following the societal norms and doing what everyone else does. Secondly, Marriage is a very personal affair. Your decision to marry or not is entirely your choice.People tend to marry for their own security or for carnal pleasure. But what if these things are not in your priority list?? I'm not averse to the idea of getting married but I'm happy the way I am right now!

Marriage is just an extension of a relationship with whom you want to spend the rest of your life. I've been an emotionally strong girl since childhood. I've faced a lot of struggle in life with a smiling face all by myself. The only person whose been by my side always is the divine love - earlier in the form of dieties ..now as a living Guru.:)

When I have a person in my life who loves me sooo much, who cares for me unconditionally, whose brought me into this world of peace and knowledge, I seriously don't have time for marriage right now!Yes, I'm a very normal person whose had experience of relationships. I don't deny that attraction happens even now at times but I know it is short lived and dies out within few days.SO I don't even give it a damn! :D 

Things like marriage are just a part of life, they are NOT the heart of Life! If it is meant to happen, it will happen at its destined time. I DON'T dream of getting married neither do I have a fantasy world now :) I have a lot to do in life yet and I'm not dying to have a life partner soon!

When the driver of my life is so charming...who has the time to look for a partner ?? ;)

Love you Gj! :)

P.S: I don't know whether I should have written this or not but writing all this is maing me happy!:)

Keep Smiling :)

After many days, I've shut myself and begin to write...it 11.30pm..and the isolation and silence is just so refreshing! I'm an early riser so I prefer sleeping early. No doubt the serenity you feel early morning is ummatched with late night silence...but the serenity makes you meditative and so writing doesn't get the morning space! ;)

May be it's the time or my thoughts which are making me a little nostalgic.Sitting with myself I'm recalling how wonderful life has been so far.

I think I've been lucky in terms of relationships. Not to say they've lasted long or given great memories but the experiences have been very enriching and have made me realize there is something called "heart" besides "head"! :D  The grace has bestowed blessings in abundance around me in the form of people who love me so much , who care so much and to top it all, whom I love and adore! :) The only hitch is that people who've been close to me either aren't from Delhi or they've been made to go from delhi! :D

And this makes me love my guru all the more..he is just so compassionate and knows what's the best for me..he gives me the best, the kind I like, opens up my heart..makes me softer and more loving and then when the fruit is ripe, i mean when it is time, he takes them away :) ... In thsi way, he makes me free from attachment and entaglement. Everytime I'm made to realize that it's a heart to heart connection..physical presence isn't really an important factor..and that you caring for the other person's happiness is the true hallmark of a perfect relation!

In any one's life many people come..

Some stay while some get lost in the race of life...
Some make deep impressions in your heart, some memories simply fade away with the passage of time..
Some  make you learn important lessons in life, some teach you what mistakes not to repeat..
Some strengthen your faith in human relations, some strengthen your faith in God...
Some took you to the joyworld, some showed you the door of the cryworld...
Some you would like to emulate, some you wouldn't even like to think of..
Some for whom you feel grateful that they were there, some you feel grateful taht they are not there!...

Its a strange world...and stranger are the relationships...but relationships drive this crazy world! and also makes it interesting! :)

Drive is still on..milestones to cross...hurdles i can foresee...but no worries...I have the best driver of my life - My Guru!

Love you! <3 <3


Keep Smilimg :)

Just Dance!

The best moments in anyone’s life are those where one is doing what one is REALLY passionate about! Finally I’ve found some great dancers in YES!+ north zone and we‘ve kind of formed a group and would be performing on stage next month! And guess what, we are doing Salsa and Jive!


The funniest part is that my dance partner is Kartik Singhal! (Sorry Kartik, no offence meant). Though people say you should come of age but I still feel like a college girl. No doubt I have the maturity of a 25 year old but I love playing pranks, pulling other’s legs, cracking silly jokes and doing all those crazy stuff! I initially knew Kartik as Sonakshi’s friend (P.S: Sonakshi is one of the gems in my friend list!)

So whenever we met Kartik, she and I would make fun of him, pull his leg or would say something or the other. Basically, talking nicely, politely and sweetly with him is a distant dream. Now, to dance as a couple, that too on a romantic number and that too salsa, NEEDS some kind of sincerity and bonding. For me, it was hell difficult! When we started practicing, I couldn’t stop laughing as soon as I used to look into his eyes. And to sing the song wasn’t easy at all! It took lot of self-control to give the expressions that song demands but now I’m fully enjoying it. :)

When we gave our auditions to Tarique Bhaiya( whose an international choreographer and a YES!+ teacher), he told me and Kartik to stand in the centre! Whoppy! So now we both are the centre of attraction and needless to say, we think we dance the best! :)

After months of procrastination, hopefully I’ll be starting the Guitar classes next month(fingers crossed!)

Oh! did I tell you the song we are dancing on?? – “Tumse mili nazar toh asar hua hai aaj yeh dil pe….” :D :D

Keep Smiling:)

Mere Yaar ki Shaadi Hai! :)

So the wedding season has started! Ever since school days, we've been a gang of 8 friends. We've grown together...from school days to graduation ..to getting into job or business.Our friendship has seen its share of rough phases - from misundersanding to miscommunication to no communication! The hot topic for discussion for a while has ofcourse been marriage - not in the serious sense but just pulling each other's leg as to what kind of guy/gal would  NOT say YES to you! ;)...

At times we've even placed bet as to who would get married first. Many thought I would be the first in the line but alas! they've lost the bet :P

  

The awesome Foursome! The to-be bride in yellow :)

When I first heard that one of us , Nitika ( whom we call Nikki) is getting engaged, my happiness knew no bounds. It was a pleasant shock! For me , she hasn't grown yet especially for a lifelong committment like marriage.

Since we know each other from school days we are still that kid at heart for each other. It took some time to sink in but now I've got a hang on it!

Now, the next thought was whose the guy?? how's he ?? is he chilled out kind or a typical baniya?? Does he look his age or is he fat grown man???Well, the groom seems to be well qualified and well placed :) More than anythign else, my friend is extremely happy with him and that is all that matters :)

After a long time all of us were together and we partied like crazy! Went mad on DJ floor! For a while we played Truth  & Dare and a secret was revealed which we all were dying to know! ( Sorry gagan! :P)  

Food and friends always go together and so besides enjoying company of good friends , we relished good food too! :)

Good food, amazing friends !

One of my favourite pic of the evening!


Now this guy in the picture, Gagan , can NEVER give good expressions while getting a pic clicked. Its just not in his nature. It takes a lot of pain and struggle for him to get that smile :P

The ceremony went on well. All the while I had this undying smile on my face. My happiness was clearly visible :)

I was happy for her family, for her , for my friends , for anyone and everyone who came. Though I disliked the Bar section at the ceremony, thankfully there was non-veg served!



At the end while exiting, last memorable pic!

Last but not the least, we clicked this final pic! It was around 1.30 am but we were all fresh and energised..ready to dance more, eat more, talk more..and thats what happiness gives you :) :)

Keep Smiling :)

Celebrating Anniversary! :)

Today I'm feeling a void.After super busy days and so much of action mode, the free time now seem to be boring.Day in day out I'm made to realize HOW MUCH the divine loves us!

"1st June to 6th June"  - these dates will always be special for me. Last year on the same dates happened the first YES!+ course that I'd organized.To others, it may have been just be a course but for me it brought a paradigm shift in me.I just wanted to be a part of the organizing team and ended up organizing it myself! A lot of challenges came, but I didn't give up because I knew grace is with me :). When you are doing HIS work, be rest assured that HE will make it happen:. All we need to do is to give in our 100%. :)

YES!+ group ( 1st June -6th June 2010)

This year too on the same dates, YES!+ was organized with the same teacher - Rohit Ranjan. (Again, I didn't want to be a part of the organizing team as I had other things on priority but such is the divine play that I again ended up organizing it!So, in a way, its been an anniversary week! :P

It's been a year of doing sewa (social service) and I see myself as a transformed person - from a person who never believed in "Sri Sri Ravi Shankar", who doubted, who wasn't comfortable with the concept of Guru to a person whose life is now solely led by him :). There is no other beautiful feeling than surrender! The charm of Divine love supercedes any other form of love (believe me!;)

YES!+ group ( 1st June -6th June 2011)

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Last week my 3 year niece came to stay for a week. She means the world to me. I LOVE spending time with her! There is so much one can learn from a child - they are just so free and always in the present moment! Ther smiles are so vivacious and whatever they speak seems to be a lullaby! :) For the entire week, whatever time I got, I devoted it in her service :)...becoming a horse for her, bathing her, playing silly games with her, taking her out for ice cream, making funny poems. We both share a rapport which is superb! She's gone back home  and whenvever she goes, I do feel sad for a while...love you!:)

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I'm reallyy looking forward to 10th June! In my gang of closest buddies, its the beginning of marriages! One of them is getting engaged! I'm super excited ..I mean.... to see someone getting married with whom you've grown up, shared your darkest secrets, spent quite a good time of your life..is amazingg! Because I had to attend this function , I didn't go for the YES!+ advance course at Bangalore Center. Sometimes, its really tough to take a decision but then one has to prioritse.

The only thing I was missing in not going to Bangalore was that I wouldn't be able to meet Guruji but today I came to know he's coming to delhi on 8th June! Hurray!

Unki ik nazar hi kaafi hai ;)

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Keep Smiling :)

ToP 10 ReAsOnS WHY you ShOuLd do YES!+

1. It's for those who value self-development! Not for mediocres, but for those who wish to excel!

2. You learn Sudarshan Kriya which is widely acclaimed as a great stress buster, heals ailments and releases toxins from your body!

3. After 6 days, you can see a CLEAR difference in your confidence and concentration power!

4. You get the power of UNDYING enthusiasm and how to keep a smile on your face in every situation!

5. You learn the art of  keeping your mind in the present moment! (Tendency of the mind is to oscillate b/w past and future)

6. You get to be a part of BRAND "YES!+" , running in 150 countries, conducted in top managemnt and engineering institutes - IITs, IIMs, DCE,SRCC etc.! Lot of celebrities have done it -Leander Paes, Rahul Dravid, Lara Dutta, Shankar Mahadevan to name a few!

7. It's the most economical life Skills workshop - 3000 bucks for lifetime membership! Anywhere in India!

8. It's a youth workshop, so you get to make more friends and expand your social circle!

9. Completion of the course gives you a certificate , which has A LOT OF VALUE during placements and further studies!


10. Last, but not the least, b'coz I have done this course!! ;);)

Catching up!

First, the bestest newz! One of my very close friend is getting married and I'm reallyy excited! I mean it feels so funny yet enthralling to believe that someone, with whom you've been since childhood, is getting married! The feeling is amazing! Pretty charged up for Dhamaal!!

But the only sad part is that I have this notion that after marriage people change, they become more family-oriented, husband/wife -oriented and later kids-oriented;) Hope it doesn't happen with my friend. No doubt a new dimension is added in your life but earlier ones are important too!

Many have asked me but I seriously can't imagine myself getting married in the near future. Currently, I just don't have the patience or committment to sustain a relationship. I respect marriages but till now I haven't developed an interest :)


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The ongoing sewa for the upcoming YES!+ course is going great guns! This course is special for me - last year on the same dates happened the first course that I organized..that also had morning and evening batches...and the teacher was same too! ( Rohit Ranjan)

I'm giving in my full effort. A lot of challenges are there in getting registration - all the college students have exams going on currently so many are interested but will do it later. We have limited volunteers with majority being new or first timers in organizing a course. '

Neverthless, I'm enjoying every bit of it. I really feel pity for people who don't understand the importance of sewa or this course. They fail to realize the beauty of life :)

Needless to say, miracles are happening daily and grace is in abundance :)

Angels, bring it on!! ;)

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I got a mail from my ex-boss saying hello! She is one of those persons whom I really admire. Ive learnt a lot from her and she has been an inspiration in many ways, professionally.

But, at a personal level, our personalities are contradictory. She is way too intellectual for me to handle! ;)

She thinks I  left my job because of Art of Living and I'm slowly on a path of attaining nirvana, wherein I will wear those bland clothes, with a rosary in hand, staying on hills ( may be more, no idea about her imagination ;)

And I'm in no mood to convince her and clear her doubts. Infact it is so much fun to let others have misconceptions about you! Atleast you are free from expectations ! :P

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A lot more to share! ....will put up in the next post!


Keep Smiling :)

Mysterious Ways..

At times, my state of wonder knows no bounds. In the midst of hectic life, wonder acts as a great stressbuster!

Nature has so many surprises, it's just so mysterious! It has a full time job yet it is not bound by expectations :) It behaves in its own way...you pray for rains but you may just get a sun, you pray for sunshine and you may get breeze...natural calamities nobody welcomes but nature still gives.

 When i think about nature and its ways, I find my life and its matters too small. At times a particular event gets imprinted too strongly in our head but the very remembrance that everything is changing and the attitude of "we are not gonna live forvever anyway!" comes like a blessing. I read in one of the knowledge sheets - When you wonder, you don't have any questions but you are simply amazed and awestruck. While in questioning, the mind is perpetually seeking for answers.

At nature's ways , one can only wonder because the answers are beyond our intellect to comprehend :)

• How does sun rises each day and where does it go in the evening!
• How does a seed, when sown, leads to such a big flower blossoming !..And after a while, the flower dies out!
• How does a womb produce a living being! mysterious 9 months...!!
• Birds can fly and we can't! and what is the language they speak! Do all the birds have different language!!
• Some animals fear others (lion), some birds fear others (eagle), what about humans!!!
• How are birds such beautiful architects! amazing nests they make!
• How does our body automatically gets into sleep each day!
• Humans have so much luxuries! do birds/animals have clothes, ceremonies etc like us!!

...and there are many more!! I know these all sound stupid and strange but when my mind thinks about nature, everything else , including my own life, seems so minute and dull. To broaden one's vision, nature is the best case.

Daily we spend our life waking up, getting ready for college/office, working hard throughut the day, chitchatting, socialising, watching T.V, eating food and eventually sleeping. Not to say they aren't essential, but there is so much more to life!

I have a good life, indeed, and i know it can be made a lot better.

Mysteries makes you mysterious!! ;)

Keep Smiling :)

The electricity of Desires...:)

In school, the homework I used to get was more of a formality – to do it merely because it is a “home” work and ‘coz the non-completion of it would tarnish my image in the eyes of my teacher :P. But I read this quote which I really liked

“You can get all A's and still flunk life”

In YES!+, the homework given by the teacher is a blessing in disguise. It isn’t merely a task but a task with a sweet learning – something which helps us grow in life and make it more meaningfulJ

This time, We all felt really lucky to have Saleel Bhaiya in our weekly Saturday YES!+ follow up, who talked about “DESIRES”. Now, the knowledge in itself is so profound and when told by a teacher like him, in such a practical manner, gets understood easily.

Recapitulation (Basis: my memory ;)

He talked about the electric nature of desires for sensory pleasures- whenever a desire arises, one can feel an intense sensation inside. He gave an example which every youth can relate to – ice-creams!! :) As by the power of electricity, trains, machines etc. can be moved, the inner electricity can pull the whole body! Just the thought of having ice-cream creates such a powerful pull. It can make the whole body move to the ice cream parlor! :D

 At times, desires can lead to feverishness or restlessness but the interesting aspect about desires is that till the time they aren’t fulfilled, the pleasure and the intensity for fulfilling it remains but as soon as it’s fulfilled, the charm is lost. So it’s the non-fulfillment of desires that’s more pleasurable :)

All the distortions - Lust, greed, jealousy etc. are powerful because they are energies/electric in nature but the awareness that it is WE who are the source of that pure electricity can help you move desires deeper within (self)- towards everlasting bliss and pleasure. The purity of the inner electricity can be maintained by devotion and dedication :)

Remembering that you will die makes you alive now! When you know that you are going to die anytime, say tomorrow, then the mind automatically comes back to the present moment and since you feel have less time left, you think of doing things which you really want to do than day-dreaming! (This was the WoW moment!)

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At the end, we were given“homework” - within next 24 hours, whatever 1 desire you have; do not fulfill it for you but for 3 others. Sounds easy? Nah! You’ve got to practically do it to find out the easiness :P

Initially we took it lightly and the homework became more of a game – we asking few others what were there desire/s at that moment (as if we would fulfill them :D) and the person asked, on the verge of answering would suddenly realize the repercussions – how it would backfire and leave a hole in his pocket ;)

Since in Delhi the weather is humid these days, I suddenly had the “desire” to drink “Nimbu Lemon”. Believe me, it’s a sheer bliss in hot weather! But..but..but..I remembered the homework and with a heavy heart I ordered 3 “Nimbu lemon”.

Now since I couldn’t have it, my longing for it was increasing, though it wasn’t making me sad. I could feel the taste, smell the lemon masala etc etc. The electric nature of the pleasure was erupting in me. Oh-la-la..And to top it all, the three highly ungrateful people added to my misery :D….by relishing each sip, deliberately making comments of how good it was made by the vendor etc. etc.

  

We were in all 6 people standing and I asked the remaining 2 if they too would like to have it. Though the homework was for 3 people only, there’s no harm in doing it a little better for those brownie points: D

So now the whole gang is having Nimbu lemon except me :( Initially I was thinking only about having Nimbu lemon but slowly in the whole process of getting it for others, the craving pacified. Slowly the acceptance came and my mind came back to the present moment. I started enjoying the moment anyway and while they were drinking it, the attention shifted from nimbu lemon to other important matters :)

While I was busy discussing something, suddenly a friend who’d finished his drink came and handed me a BIG glass of Nimbu Lemon! “It’s for you; we’ve all had; now you should also have”. I, in a determined tone, said no. I wanted to do my homework really well (though the desire had reduced, I wouldn’t have minded a glass!;)

 But they all very lovingly said that the homework is over and that it isn’t I who’d asked but they who‘ve got it willingly.

 After little bit of friendly tussle, I finally agreed andhad it! The first 2 sips were heavenly! It was a BIG glass (almost double of what they had), the first few sips quenched my thirst and as the drink came till the bottom, I no longer wanted to have it!.

I had intrinsic learnings in the whole process:

• Once you work for others and keep your desires aside, it automatically gets fulfilled! (Of course, the expectation shouldn’t be there: D)
•  It’s the longing for the desire that is more pleasurable, once fulfilled the charm is lost :)
•  No matter your desire is fulfilled or not, staying happy is in your hands and not directly proportional to it ;)

You learn something every day if you pay attention – Anonymous